Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has reacted to winning the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Footballer of the Year award.
The 30-year-old former Sunderland midfielder led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years this season. He won the award after receiving more than a quarter of the votes. FWA’ made the announcement via its official Twitter page today.
Reacting after being announced the winner, Henderson couldn’t hide his excitement, saying he doesn’t feel he can accept the success on his own.
“I owe a lot to so many people but none more so than my current team-mates, who have been incredible and deserve this every bit as much as I do.”
Other nominees for the prize include Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane, Kevin de Bruyne and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, who all finished in the top five.
Henderson is currently recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Brighton. He was on the podium to receive the Premier League trophy from Reds legend, Sir Kenny Dalglish, at a near-empty Anfield.
Henderson further lauded his teammates who he described as incredible said he won’t have won the award without their contribution.
“I accept [the award] on behalf of this whole squad because without them I’m not in a position to be receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player – a better leader and a better person.
“If anything I hope those who voted for me did so partly to recognise the entire team’s contribution.”
This is another honour into the personal cabinet of Henderson, who lifted the Fifa Club World Cup trophy for the Reds for the first time in December.
In his contribution to the #PlayersTogether initiative, Henderson off the pitch has helped raise money for the NHS.
Arsenal striker, Vivianne Miedema won the women version of the FWA earlier this month.
Pep Guardiola reacts as Jordan Henderson wins FWA award
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reacted to the emergence of Henderson as the winner of the FWA award.
“I think Bruyne speaks for himself what he gives to our team. It’s not necessary to say how fantastic Kevin is. At the same time, congratulations to the captain at Liverpool. He’s a really good player.
Henderson started 26 games for the champions and played four as substitute in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
De Bruyne, on the other hand, made 31 starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League for City this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 19 assists in the process.
